Experience the enchanting harmonies of The Ecclesium Choir with their captivating album, "A Christmas Blessing," released in 2009 under Priory Records. This exquisite collection of choral and Gregorian chant performances is a delightful journey through the festive season, featuring a mix of traditional carols and lesser-known gems.
The album opens with a series of "Celtic Christmas" tracks, each one a testament to the choir's ability to blend traditional melodies with contemporary arrangements. Standout tracks include "Once in Royal David's City" and "Love Came Down at Christmas," both of which showcase the choir's impeccable vocal control and dynamic range.
Philip Stopford's arrangements are a highlight throughout the album, with pieces like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Sussex Carol" benefiting from his unique touch. The choir's performance of "Silent Night" is particularly noteworthy, with the addition of flute and organ creating a lush, atmospheric soundscape.
The Ecclesium Choir's versatility is evident in their rendition of "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy," which features a lively, upbeat arrangement that contrasts beautifully with the more subdued tracks. The album closes with the titular track, "A Christmas Blessing," a beautiful, reflective piece that serves as the perfect finale to this festive collection.
With a duration of just over an hour, "A Christmas Blessing" is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday celebrations, offering a rich tapestry of sounds and styles that will appeal to fans of choral music and traditional carols alike. Whether you're looking to set the mood for a festive gathering or simply enjoy some peaceful reflection, this album is sure to delight.
Tracks
Celtic Christmas: No. 1, Once in Royal David's CityPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir
Celtic Christmas: No. 2, Love Came Down at ChristmasPhilip Stopford, Jenny Heaney
Celtic Christmas: No. 3, Wexford CarolPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir
Celtic Christmas: No. 4, I Saw Three ShipsPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Jenny Heaney
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Arr. P. Stopford for Choir & Organ)Anonymous, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher, Philip Stopford
A Child Is Born in Bethlehem (Version for Choir & Organ)Philip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher
Ave Maria (Version for Choir & Organ)Philip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing DayPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir
Keble Missa brevis: V. GloriaPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher
Jesus Christ the Apple TreePhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir
Sussex Carol (Arr. P. Stopford for Choir)Traditional, The Ecclesium Choir, Philip Stopford
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (Arr. P. Stopford for Choir)Traditional, The Ecclesium Choir, Philip Stopford
Silent Night, H. 145 (Sung in English) [Arr. P. Stopford for Choir, Flute & Organ]Franz Xaver Gruber, The Ecclesium Choir, Jenny Heaney, Tristan Russcher, Philip Stopford
Lully, Lulla LullayPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir
We Three Kings (Arr. P. Stopford for Choir & Organ)Traditional, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher, Philip Stopford
Love Came Down at ChristmasPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir
In the Bleak Midwinter (Version for Female Choir & Piano)Philip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher
Rejoice, RejoicePhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher
LogosPhilip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher
A Christmas Blessing (Version for Choir & Piano)Philip Stopford, The Ecclesium Choir, Tristan Russcher
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